KINGMAN – As another school year rapidly approaches, the KUSD Board met Tuesday evening to vote on laws and regulations for public schools in Kingman for FY2026-27.
Featured photo: Lynn Wells (center), Paraeducator IV/V for Kingman Unified School District was honored at the Board meeting Tuesday evening. She is retiring after 21 years as a Teacher’s Aide. L-R are board members Dr. Roger Cox and Boyd Hardy, Honoree Lynn Wells, Board President Toni Henry and Dr. Gretchen Dorner, KUSD Superintendent. Photo by Connie “Ceejay” Jones.
Only one agenda item failed to be passed by the board by unanimous vote; that was to allow students outside the district to participate in KUSD interscholastic sports activities.
Superintendent Gretchen Dorner did say, however, that home-schooled children who were registered in the city, could participate.
Board member Dr. Roger Cox, stated that due to insurance liabilities, some students may need to be excluded. For that reason, that agenda item was denied.
All other items on the program agenda did meet the board’s approval, also by unanimous vote. Those approved items included a list of 42 individuals who had been trained and recommended by the board to participate in the Special Education Plans; the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) stipend program.
Curriculum for English, Spanish, and NoRedInk writing and grammar classes for grades 9 through 12 were also approved, followed by Ellevation Education, a virtual-based program to help teachers and students.
Dr. Dorner stated, “It has been used successfully for the last three years and cost just over $10K.”
Trust insurance for the school, was approved, as was the extension of Compass Group SSC for grounds, facilities and maintenance.
Southwest Foodservice Excellence contract was renewed to provide food to KUSD schools for FY26-27. Speech and Occupational Therapy and Psychology services to multiple vendors was also passed along with the Employee Handbook, a list of donated items and services to the schools.
It was agreed to let former teacher Tom Wokasch be released from his contract without moving into executive session to discuss the matter.
“I have read through the packet and based on the information we have been presented, I do not see a need to move into executive session,” implied Board President Toni Henri.
Dr. Dorner chipped in, “He was an outstanding employee and we wish him well and celebrate his successes as a teacher.”
Board member Boyd Hardy added, “He has to take care of himself.”
Honored at the meeting were two retirees, Lynn Wells, retiring after 21 years as a Teacher’s Aide and Lisa Kelly, a clerk, who had been with the board since 2023; she was not present to receive her awards.
When asked what are KUSD’s biggest challenges for the upcoming FY26-27 school year, Dr. Gretchen Dorner, Superintendent, answered with the following response.
“One of our district’s greatest challenges heading into the upcoming school year is navigating increased public attention and scrutiny while maintaining a clear focus on student success.”
“As public schools are discussed within the community, it is important that we continue to communicate openly, build trust with families, and ensure that accurate information about our programs and achievements is readily available.”
“At the same time, we remain committed to providing every student with a high-quality education through strong instruction, data-informed decision making, and meaningful support services.”
“Our focus will be on recruiting and retaining excellent staff, expanding opportunities for student achievement, strengthening school safety, and fostering positive partnerships with parents and community stakeholders.”
“While challenges exist, they also present opportunities to showcase the outstanding work taking place in our schools and to continuously improve the educational experience for all students.”
